To strengthen safety at sea, Brussels presents a third package of measures
Jacques Barrot, European Commissioner for Transport, presents the main lines of the "package" on maritime safety that the European Commission is to adopt on Wednesday. Three years after the Prestige disaster and almost 6 years after that of the Erika…
What is the tone of this “package”, weren't the first two enough?
This third package attempts to complete the system, put in place since 1999 in response to maritime disasters, by aiming for a coherent maritime space. Controls must be better targeted, certain sanctions must be strengthened, and above all, all players in the maritime world must be held accountable.
Will you go so far as to propose a European pavilion?
That would indeed be a solution. But not everyone in Europe wants it. In the meantime, we can already act so that each national flag obeys the same rules, that all ships are built and inspected according to strict standards, that classification societies (which control the ability of a boat to sail) subject to regular audit. And eliminate unserious companies.
Are there not enough controls?
Not yet. The quota of 25% inspections is not respected by all countries. It is above all necessary to have a more dissuasive action, that the skipper of a substandard vessel knows that he will have more chances, tomorrow, of being inspected again… and sanctioned. The blacklists will thus be published and the vessel will risk permanent banishment from Community waters in the event of a repeat offence. On the other hand, quality ships will see their control reduced. We must punish the bad students, not the good ones.
The creation of a European coastguard corps is no longer on the agenda?
Not at the moment. Some member states are against it. However, we have launched a study to examine its interest and feasibility. It may be in a future package.
What about ports of refuge?
This obligation provided for in the Erika II package has not been respected. It's true. The ports refuse to become a “refuge” for brand image issues in particular. The idea is to facilitate the implementation of this obligation by allowing Member States not to publish the list of ports concerned.
The liability of shipowners is difficult to engage? What are you planning to do ?
Until now, at sea, only serious misconduct with intent to harm can incur liability. It is not a question of criminalizing shipowners or sailors. But neither should the victims be left without recourse. The only solution is to oblige any vessel transiting through Community waters to have appropriate “civil liability” insurance. The exact amount remains to be determined. This is one of the talking points again.
Nicolas GROS-VERHEYDE.
Published in Ouest-France, November 2005
